Invest in your dairy through training programs

An article in the Jan. 20 issue of Progressive Dairyman written by Lisa Holden highlighted the importance of re-investing in your dairy by providing adequate training to employees.

Ask a group of 50 people to fold a sheet of paper and make an airplane and you will likely get a variety of shapes and styles – from this very simple task, Holden said. Show them a model, explain the folding steps and demonstrate – you’ll likely get a room full of the same paper airplanes. Training can make all the difference.

The American Society for Training and Development estimated that $135 billion was spent on training in 2007. From employee orientation, to re-training, to professional development, training hours can only serve to increase productivity and profitability on your dairy. So, how do you get started? Holden outlines some important first steps below.

1) Use different training methods and materials to accommodate the different learning styles and preferences that will be present among your employees. For instance, some employees will do well with hands-on training, others are visual or auditory listeners, preferring a video or CD, while still others need to read to better understand the process.
2) Develop training goals and use a structured process to help employees, and thus your dairy, achieve those goals. For instance, at the end of training, what should the employee know how to do? What knowledge should they have that they may not have had walking in? Holden recommends a “Plan, Show, Do and Review” process:
a. Plan – plan for the training by outlining materials and information necessary
b. Show – show workers each step necessary to completing the training
c. Do – have the workers complete the training steps
d. Review – review each step as the employee completes it in order to correct any missteps and to encourage the positive behaviors
3) Evaluate your training program – Ask your employees if the training helped. Evaluate the process to see if changes need to be made for the following year’s training program.

What training do you already have in place on your dairy?